TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

[avalonmods]

{ QUICK NAV } Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary ⚔️️ Top-Levels Only ⚔️️ A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival KERPLUNK, SPLASH! Regardless of what you were in the middle of, you and your familiar have been magically pulled into the world of Avalon just above the Bay's chilly waters. After a brief plunge into the Bay, the rush of water filling your ears and soaking up into every creak and crevice of your body, you may need to cough to clear your airways when you rise above the surface. It's paralyzingly cold for a few seconds before you're approached by the Lady of the Lake beneath the water's surface. She puts a vial of a vibrant, glowing red Everwarm* potion to your character's lips. The icy water doesn't feel so icy once consumed and you'll be able to move your limbs enough to swim to shore on your own. She can't stick around to explain, she's got to get this to all the new arrivals! Many of which you'll see plopping in around you. If you can't swim, a handful of helpful ice turtles will scoop you up from beneath and drop you off at the shore. It's a fast process, as they no longer have to collect possessions and pets from drowning in the waters, so they're only needing to go around hitting the ice that keeps forming on the surface with their shells to keep the surface open for the falling arrivals. If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. If anyone with Animal Magic asks the turtles, they will give the full spiel, but very slowly, and they like to get off topic and gossip about other turtles you've never heard of. The shores themselves are littered with new arrivals complaining their way up a staircase carved into the walls of the White Cliffs. There is no railing, so be careful, but if you do fall, be prepared for a mysterious sand hand to reach out of the side of the cliffs to catch you. The hand will pat you atop the head twice before retreating back into the wall. This is the Cliff Beast; despite the name, he is quite friendly. B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot Once everyone is wrangled up to the top of the White Cliffs, the handsome owner of the Rent-a-Ride, Archimedes, will distribute smart phones, a pair of earbuds, and a winter cloak** and tell them to "Check the Shit Box." The "Shit Box" refers to wardrobe more formally known as the Wardrobe of Finding, a hammerspace-like wardrobe that opens to each person's items and pets when the person touches the handle. It was recently enchanted by Merlin to prevent people from having to fish their waterlogged possessions and pets out of the water with them. From there, Archimedes directs everyone to settle in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and gives them a basic explanation of why and how they've been brought to Avalon: The rest of the universe is frozen in time and your character has been brought here by a familiar that was able to bond with them. They'll have to learn magic to help save their own world from destruction, but first they've got to get them to Camelot. It is here that you have the first opportunity to decide who they will be in their new home. You'll have about an hour to wander around here, meet and greet, and pet the horses before it's time to go. These carriages use fae technology that combats weight, so your character will be able to get in regardless of whether they're light as a feather or weigh two tons. The carts have air conditioning when it's hot, heating when it's cold, and a mystical shield to protect from bugs. There is also a mini-bar that pops out of the console with nip bottles. Characters can use their smartphones to connect to Camelot's internet service, avalononline (AOL), to chat with other characters, watch dumb videos, learn about the world, contact Camelot Support (they'll answer any questions they can for you, from how to use a smart phone to where to find quests and resources to learn more about your magic). Be careful if you decide to use your phones while in the caravan-- if you don't use those earbuds and start forcing everyone to listen to your nonsense, Archimedes may make you walk. C ⦿ The Red Spring The journey from the White Cliffs to the City of Camelot is a long one, and the first evening you arrive you'll end up spending at the Red Spring, a booming resort town. Because of the volume of new arrivals and vacationers, inn rooms are assigned two-to-a-room. The rooms have two twin beds, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and microwave, and a TV equipped with a couple of entertaining video games and a few free movies. For the month of February: there are complimentary chocolates placed on the pillows that make you feel warm and fuzzy when you eat them, all the rooms have been temporarily redecorated after hearing about Valentine's Day after an announcement about an upcoming Valentine's concert to be held by the off-worlders. They wanted to celebrate love too, and help the newcomers feel welcome! Unfortunately, this means that the two-person bedrooms only have one bed this month... maybe you can get a roll-away? If you don't want to relax in the room, try taking a dip in the spring for another chance to meet your fellow travelers. The waters have restorative properties that help horses and travelers recover quickly when drunk. It is known to relieve stress, improve energy levels, and mildly accelerate healing. It may be a little chilly when you get out though, so make sure you don't slip rushing back indoors when you get out! The springs are also home to a large training grounds just outside town limits, where there are teachers who will teach basic magic safety and help you discover what kind of magic you have together with other new arrivals. Try target practice, obstacle courses, meditation circles, and other ways to try to figure out just what you can do... if you didn't already have an accidental discovery on the ride there. As the snows give way to rain and the cold persists across Avalon, it may seem as if some of the local businesses are suddenly short-staffed. A favorite spot might have shorter hours, longer wait times. Whatever it is, it seems that there are fewer Avalonians as the days go on. It is not long before there are signs posted outside local businesses and every clinic, there is an illness striking the populace and adventurers seem to be immune. While the healers can cure this malady, they are short on supplies and some of them are not easy to obtain. All are urged to take up a task and gather these ingredients. Anyone who does obtain one or more of the required ingredients will be given a Fairy-blessed Tincture of Wellbeing from one of the faeries who stayed behind after the tournament. It is said to bring healing no matter where you are when you sprinkle it on the ground in front of you. (Note: The tincture will teleport the nearest healing mage to your location. This information is not included with the tincture... surprise!) A ⦿ Ingredient One: A Can of Sprite Sprites can be found in and around Avalon, and thankfully so. The first task is to obtain a small can of magic dust from a sprite's wings. Now an adventurer may think to capture and take this by force, but be wary: sprites always travel in packs and will be so inclined to curse any would-be attackers dance till they drop, literally. Sprites are mischievous sorts with a wry sense of humor and can be quite fond a flower which grows near the Red Springs called the Cinnabar Paper Bush. Bring them a bouquet and beg for their cooperation, but be cautious of breathing in the flower's pollen-- the sprites will not warn your character that it's a potent ingredient in probability spells, so breathing it in may cause sudden repeated visions of 15 seconds of a potential future based on every choice your character could make in a particular situation. Getting out of the pollen's effects takes a full day of going through visions of parallel possibilities if there's no one to help you, and the sprites will be long gone by then. You'll need another adventurer to use their magic to get you out of this or prevent the pollen from spreading... good luck. B ⦿ Ingredient Two: Deez Nuts Within the Brocéliande there grows a certain tree. Even in winter, this tree produces tiny star shaped nuts that when ground into a powder are a key ingredient in many healing tinctures. However, the nuts are coveted by the wildlife for they taste quite sweet when eaten straight from the tree. Adventurers are tasked with entering the woods and retrieving baskets full of these tiny nuts. A warning was given to not go unarmed, those animals can be very protective of their food supply and they are rumored to be coveted by the Bear Fir, who won't hesitate to come for you. A warning to the wise: do not eat them yourself. They can be quite tempting. A tiny call will induce the desire to devour all of them, burrowing deep within your conscious. Not only would an adventurer fail their task but they would fall gravely ill for a period of two days. With these obstacles in mind, it may be best to team up and go at this task together to make sure everyone comes out alive and well. C ⦿ Ingredient Three: Wait, isn't that a Pokémon? The hills to the south-east of the Red Spring are home to the elusive Hill Trolls, who never leave their hills, but like to engage with any traveler who does come through. Most try to avoid them as they are extremely rude in every way. However, for this particular remedy, there is special bluegrass known as poliwag grass, so named because the seer who discovered this unique grass had seen the creatures it is named for in an alternate world and found them endearing. The catch? Only the Hill Trolls know now wherein the hills the small patches of this grass can be found. Adventurers are tasked with entering the hills, engaging the Trolls, and requesting a guide to the grass. Avalonians will advise doing anything the troll asks of you, it’s the only way to appease them and get the prize. Characters will be set about various household and yard chores by the Hill Trolls, who will lead them to believe that this grass will take several days journey to reach and they simply can not leave their home and yard in such a state when on a long trip like that. Make sure to complete all your tasks, though, try not to be too angry when once their yard and home are spotless the Hill Troll produces a satchel of poliwag grass straight from their cupboard. They didn’t say you had to go on the trip with them and they will need to replenish their supply after, so they're not apologizing for anything. A video is sent to everyone's devices, a strong magic spell making certain that it opens. Morganna's face appears. Morganna, after all, is to be listened to when she speaks. She seems to be looking at her nails as the recording starts, not looking at her captive audience.

”"As infamous as Arthur and Merlin are, there are many magics they are unfamiliar with. They live in the realm of basic magics, the ones you all have touched and trifled with. But there are skills you will need in the future that require something a little stronger. Now if you came to me seeking spells, I would ask a fair price, dears... but it is my universe you are all saving too, so I will offer you a taste." She finally looks directly into the screen. Despite that it's just a recording, it looks as if she's looking directly into your soul. She sees you even without you responding. Her lips curl up in a little smile, friendly and yet mischievious. "Magic is stronger when more than one person performs it. Where you would be able to toss fire, you could create a fire tornado or rip the earth until it spits the fires of hell up as lava. To perform this kind of magic, you must be entirely in sync with your partners. Of one mind, of one movement. Open the attachment and it will place a memory of how to perform Synchronic Magic with a partner into your mind. It will still take practice, of course. Baby steps."

Magic-infused technology is a hell of a thing-- those who listen after the video ends and open up the attachment will find themselves rapidly flooded with what amounts to an instructional video and a visual sample of witches moving exactly in sync. After a little finger painting on each other's face and collar bones and some deep meditation while performing the spell, the caster of the spell will have complete control over the movements of the person the spell is cast upon. For the duration of the spell, the person who the spell was cast upon will mentally reside in the caster's head outside of their body. Their body will do anything the caster's does. For this particular version of the spell to work, it requires the consent of the person it's being cast upon, though there are other forms of the spell that do not that are not. With that knowledge, get practicing. A ⦿ We Succeed Together When a goddess gives instructions to learn something, you learn it, and so some of the locals have set up meditation tents at one of Camelot City's parks. The tents are filled with incense, steam, and have a spell cast on them to provide relaxing sounds-- babbling brook, yoga music, rain on the ocean, a crackling fireplace, the cries of your enemies, the relaxing sound of change falling from your favorite plinko machine... It will respond to your emotions and find the sound that's most relaxing to you to help you clear your mind. If you trust the person you're with, the spell will go smoothly and you'll be able to perform the much simpler practice spell provided in the tent: a shadow dance. Follow the dance steps around the circle on the floor of the tent; shadows will begin dancing along the walls of the tent outside of their light source. Your shadows will be able to separate from your feet and travel without you once the dance is completed. It will return after completing whatever task you need from it. If you need some help developing your trust in the other person, try playing a game of twenty questions or partaking in some of the sparkling ginger shots in front of you-- they've got a heated kick to them that's sure to warm you up and make you fire out a secret to the person you're sharing the tent with. B ⦿ We Fail Apart If you aren't perfectly in sync with your partner to cast Synchronic Magic, all kinds of things can go wrong. People who do not trust each other may end up accidentally sealing the tents shut and trapping themselves inside until they tell each other a secret they've told no one else, thus forcing them to trust each other. People believe the exact opposite at their core could end up temporarily body swapping with their partner until they wipe off the body paint and break the spell. And of course, even if you're completely on the same page and the person controlling both bodies has two left feet, a mistake in the shadow dance could cause the shadows to enter your eyes, turning both of your vision to complete darkness until you've been in sunlight for about 15 minutes straight. I hope you weren't practicing at night. C ⦿ Loss and Gain After performing the Synchronic Magic, magicians of all kinds are going to feel a little strange. It's a magic outside of their field of expertise used to perform further magics, after all, and they've shared their essence with another person to perform it. There's a chance that characters are going to feel very alone after being separated from the synchronic magic. Alone, tired, and wanting to feel connected again even if you're normally the lone wolf type. Synchronic magic makes you feel connected to others in a way that's hard to do otherwise, and without it it leaves a sense of loss and disconnect. It's not a side-effect that was discussed ahead of time, but the citizens of Camelot have prepared for it for anyone who wishes to stick around after their spellcasting. After the magic is done, at the center of the tented area, everyone is invited to gather around a huge, prismatic bonfire taking place in the center of the park that the tents had been set up in. The bonfire is filled with flames of all colors, like a prism reflecting light and warmth, and acts as a beacon for casters' shadows to find their owners and reconnect with them. It also is enchanted to encourage affectionate feelings. This may inspire people to be more... touch-friendly than normal, wanting to hug and hold onto or simple be shoulder-to-shoulder with the people around them. These feelings can easily be fought even if they're present, but fulfilling them will help to eliminate the sense of loss from the synchronic spell ending. At the end of the night, little rainbow fireflies will begin to fly away from the flames, having been hatched within them, and fly off into the night as the flames turn to embers, and then to charcoal. It is said that if you catch a rainbow firefly, you can make a wish on it, and when let go they will take those wishes to the heavens with them. Some wishes may actually be granted, so if your character has a wish, submit it here. MOD NOTES: • All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, but this post should have top-levels by potential new characters only. Current characters may reply to any threads, but should not top-level comment on this post. • If your application is accepted, you may accept TDM threads as game canon as long as both players consent. Characters may begin threading as soon as their journal is accepted to the communities. • If nothing here tickles your fancy, try one of this month's Quests for your TDM prompt. • The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM, but contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. All other prompts will change monthly. (This month, please check updated method of inventory collection at the Rent-a-Ride and the "February Special" rooms at the Red Spring.) • The Shadow Dance Ritual is a form of advanced dark magic; this means that yes, after significant practice, a dark magic user may be able to do this on their own with only their own shadow. Even if your character isn't a dark mage, they can do a ritual to perform out-of-discipline magic. More information on rituals and how to unlock them will come in the future! • Please comment with wishes regardless of new/current member status if you want to participate! :) • Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ. *This Everwarm does not count toward your potion collection for those who wish to take up potion brewing. You must obtain Everwarm from the Elphame Trader's to count. **Jackets come in a variety of neutral colors, enchanted with a fit-adjustment spell that will adjust to your character's size.

Comments

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[morganknight]

I don't think it's going to move while you're actually looking at it.

[It's just one of those days -- venture into the wilderness, try to find a partner for a task, instead come across a girl trying to solo everything. Morgan isn't taking this very seriously, though, as he wanders on up with his hands folded behind his head.]

It sounded like it stopped as soon as you drew your sword, and, well. [He twitches his head at the topiary.]

[fearlessly]

[ she is definitely the girl who solos everything don't look at her don't worry about it!! at least it is not a very large bear fir, it is barely hip high to her and that is saying a lot, considering how very short she is. ]

What? Is it shy?

[ she says, clearly incredulous. alisaie has wrangled with many a tricksy fey before, but none quite like this. she approaches, and.. prods it with the end of her rapier, but it does not seem to respond. ]

[morganknight]

[Look, he's not criticizing, he's not complaining or judging. He's just going to insert himself right into this situation like he belongs.]

The thing about something that doesn't move when you look is that it does move when you don't look, so what happens when you stop paying attention?

[Though then his smile turns a bit mischievous.]

On the other hand, it might just be tired. It looks pretty bushed.

[fearlessly]

[ GOD, he's one of those know it all types isn't he, just like her brother!! only, apparently, with a much better sense of humor. alphinaud tries to be funny sometimes, but.. it sure does not suit him. ]

Please, leaf out the jokes, this is no laughing matter.

[ alisaie drives the point of her rapier into the soil for the moment, and rests her basket of nuts against her hip. ]

So you are volunteering to stand here and stare at it for me while I take these nuts back, is that what you are saying?

[morganknight]

[Ooh, punning back. He likes her.]

Sure, that won't cause any problems for me when I have to move, will it. [Fingergun and a wink; if he actually thought she needed that sort of help, he'd provide it in a second and damn the consequences, but considering she pretty much radiates an "I can handle anything, no problem" confidence, she's sure not getting treated like that.]

Counteroffer, how about we team up and use our awesome combined powers of looking at two different things to handle this?

[fearlessly]

I mean, my suggestion is much easier. For me.

[ not for him, but that sounds like a him problem!! but alisaie sighs deeply, as if this is of great inconvenience to her despite the fact that the bear fir is her problem, for all intents and purposes - and then steps back a little bit, keeping her eyes on the bush. ]

But all right, all right. If you insist. I'll take first watch.

[morganknight]

[She thinks that, but he can be a pain or a pleasure as he chooses, so choosing to help is perhaps wise.]

Then a nut-hunting I shall go.

[He has a supply of his own, but they're all tucked in the pockets of his coat. And said coat proves absolutely no hurdle to him as he hops up to grab a tree branch, then scrambles up it like a monkey.]

[fearlessly]

[ you mean he isn't only a pain?? INCREDIBLE.

but true to her word alisaie keeps her watch, and while she backs away from it carefully she keeps her rapier out and poised. if only she had her magic, she's quite sure a bit of fire would be enough to scare the thing off.. plants and fire do not mix well. she misses her verfire already. :( ]

Let me know when it's safe. Unless you've already scurried away.

[morganknight]

Hey, hey, hey! For all the many and myriad ways I'm terrible and trouble, leaving a lady in the lurch is not one of them!

[Nuts seen and swiped! A rustle of the trees, a whoosh of wind against a coat that isn't exactly cloth -- then Morgan lands in a super-cool foot-and-knee-and-hand-down pose right next to her. You can do these sorts of things when you're as awesome and skilled as he is, and also have some kinesis magic to make the landings a heck of a lot lighter.]

[fearlessly]

Oh, I am sure I would find some way to manage.

[ probably by.. just walking slowly backward for a very long time. though for now, she simply drives the end of her rapier into the soil and leans upon the hilt while he goes ahead and swipes his nuts, then lands with a flourish that can only be purposeful. well, two can play at that game!! alisaie is surely not above a little peacocking. ]

My turn, then?

[morganknight]

You totally would. [She pretty much radiates that. It's probably going to get her in super-trouble someday, but he at least can be a little help. He points to his eyes with two fingers, then turns them on the fir bear.] Go for it!

[fearlessly]

[ once he seems to have the bear fir under a tight watch, alisaie withdraws - but rather than simply stepping back as she otherwise might, she lifts her rapier from the soil again and steps into an effortless backflip, snagging one of the lower branches mid-flight, and climbing up into the leaves like a small elf squirrel.

she is not above showing off in a showing off contest.. ]

I'll be quick!

[ her basket, thankfully, is already over halfway full, so it won't take long to top it off. ]

[morganknight]

My only regret is not being able to watch!

[Because come on, acrobatic flippery like that deserves an appreciative audience. Morgan, taking a figure of speech way too literally, pokes the bear.]

You're causing us endless trouble, you know.

[fearlessly]

[ he seems to be keeping his word for now, and so she sets about her task, plucking the nuts from the branches in handfuls. they smell sweet, though she resists the allure for now, in favor of finishing her job. this may not be so important or life-altering a task as she is used to performing, but an agreement is an agreement nonetheless, so she shall honor it!

he'll hear some rustling above, as she leaps nimbly to a second tree. ]

Have you tried one of these? They are edible, yes?

[morganknight]

Oh yeah. I definitely ate the mysterious magic nuts in the mysterious magic world where mysterious magic foods can have mysterious magic effects. Just totally chowed down. [If she couldn't see his grin, she could sure hear it! Morgan's the sort of guy who wears his heart on his sleeve, and puts that sleeve on top of a transmission tower.]

[fearlessly]

Is that what you think? I don't think this world is so different from my own.

[ .. except, you know, like, the smart phones and shit. but even then she's passingly familiar with ancient allagan tech, so it's not too TOO weird. ]

Everything is mysterious and magic if you don't understand it.

[ and now, with her basket nice and full, she hops lightly down from the tree opposite to him, watching the bear fir from behind. does it work this way, too? or does she have to be looking it in the.... e-eyes..? does it have eyes?? ]

[morganknight]

It's a lot like mine, too, but that's to be expected. Mine's a nexus world too, so same principles. [He shrugs easily, then spreads his hands slightly.] You good, or need more?

[fearlessly]

I'm finished.

[ hopefully they won't want a second basket.. this thing is annoying. she doesn't like enemies she can't just stab to death!! ]

So you're free to scurry off. Thank you for the assistance.

[morganknight]

Got a plan for getting away without breaking sight, or tripping 'cuz you're walking backwards? 'Cuz I do.

[Morgan folds his arms behind his head, smiling still. She really seems like a 'stab first ask questions later' girl, and though she almost certainly makes that work, he'd still rather not see her come to grief.]

[fearlessly]

Of course you do.

[ he's got an answer for everything, doesn't he? but yeah, her plan sure was to just walk backwards for a long time before making a break for it, and it suited her just fine!! but all right, all right, she'll listen - though her rapier is out again, and leveled on the still very still bear fir, just in case. ]

Go on, then.

[morganknight]

Typhon, I choose you!

[Plunging his hand into an inner pocket of his coat, Morgan brings it back out with a small hydra sitting on his palm. Five heads regard Alisaie curiously, two are yawning and trying to blink themselves, and two are just bashing against each other vigorously.]

The Slayer of Fingers here will be our key to an unending watch.

[fearlessly]

[ well, isn't that a weird and cute little thing.. she can only assume it's his familiar, but who knows? for now, she's just curious to see how he'll use it. ]

Well. So long as none of them get distracted, I suppose..

[ it sure would be funny if they all turned to look at something else at the same time. ]

[morganknight]

Don't worry! With nine heads, one of them is always on-duty. [He shifts the little hydra onto his shoulder. Two heads immediately fixate on the bear fir, four keep watching Alisaie, two continue tussling aggressively, and one bites his ear.] Ow.

[fearlessly]

[ well, that thing looks like a little menace but honestly, it's also kinda cute. she appreciates its chaotic energy. with all those little eyes on her, she can't help but flash them a smile. ]

Well, it seems you have matters well enough in hand, then. Thank you for your help.

[morganknight]

[Success! Typhon has charmed a smile and even a thanks out of the girl. He's Morgan's secret weapon, too cute for anyone to resist!]

Morgan Knight, at your service. [He sketches a grand bow that can't be taken seriously with his own smile.]